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Abstract

We experienced two cases of cutaneous dermoid cysts (DC). To elucidate the histogenesis of DC, we have studied cytokeratin (CK) expression in DC using ten different anti-keratin antibodies against CK1, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, and anti-filaggrin (filament aggregating protein) antibody. In the cyst wall of DC, CK1 and 10 were expressed in suprabasal layer, and CK14 was limited to the basal layer. In sebaceous gland-like structures, CK14 was detected in sebaceous acinus, and CK17 was detected in sebaceous duct. The other CKs were not detected. Filaggrin was intensely detected in the granular layer in the cyst wall of DC. CK expression profile of DC was similar to follicular infundibulum and sebaceous gland. These results suggested that DC differentiates towards follicular infundibulum and mature sebaceous gland.